Alex Radulov gets long-term deal as Stars land him for five years

MONTREAL, QC – FEBRUARY 18: Alexander Radulov #47 of the Montreal Canadiens looks on during the warmup prior to the NHL game against the Winnipeg Jets at the Bell Centre on February 18, 2017 in Montreal, Quebec, Canada. The Winnipeg Jets defeated the Montreal Canadiens 3-1. (Photo by Minas Panagiotakis/Getty Images)

Alex Radulov has used a strong first season back in the NHL and cashed in with a long-term deal with the Dallas Stars.

The Stars announced on Monday the signing of the soon-to-be 31-year-old forward to a five-year deal worth $31.25 million. The deal carries a $6.25 million cap hit through the 2021-22 NHL season.

“Alexander is a dynamic playmaker with top-end speed and skill,” said Stars general manager Jim Nill. “To add a forward of this stature to our lineup makes our top-six as deep and talented as any group in this League.”

After season where Radulov answered many doubts about his commitment and formed a very strong bond with Canadiens fans, Montreal GM Marc Bergevin left the door open for a return. Progress toward a deal, however, was unsuccessful as Bergevin’s idea for term and a dollar amount was vastly different than what Radulov’s camp was seeking as he desired a long-term contract.

The signing continues a very busy off-season for Nill, who is clearly in win-now mode with the moves he’s made so far. Along with adding Radulov he’s brought upgrades in in the form of Marc Methot, Martin Hanzal and Ben Bishop, and he still has some cap space to work with.

After a year out of the playoffs, the Stars have had a dramatic off-season, one that has them pointing in the right direction again.